The Smith family Christmas camping tradition continues in Hanmer Springs. Gary and his family packed up and travelled south to Hanmer Springs for Christmas. Changing it up from last years adventures to the Nelson region they chose the Pines Holiday Park as their destination and enjoyed a relaxing Christmas camping trip. The kids absolutely loved it, many memories were made and the feedback for the campsite was excellent. "Quiet family holiday park situated just approx. 900 metres from the village centre & Thermal Reserve in Hanmer Springs. Pines Holiday Park in Hanmer Springs also offers pet friendly accommodation so you don't have to leave your loved pets at home! Please let us know if you are bringing your pet. Spacious power and tent sites surrounded by native gardens are a great place to listen to the bellbirds and take in the spectacular views of the mountains. We can also help you book local activities, let our friendly staff know if you would like assistance. Winter rates apply from June and an exceptional standard of cleanliness and hygiene is guaranteed. We are located adjacent to a large playground and directly opposite the Hanmer Springs Country Club."
https://pinesholidaypark.co.nz/ We are moving on from the mighty Waikato to our largest city Auckland. The city offers many activities, locations and adventures and is a great weekend destination. "Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is a multi-cultural urban oasis of food, music, arts and culture. It’s where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication." I personally only know Auckland as a destination for work and business and have thoroughly enjoyed changing my mindset and exploring all the city has to offer to someone travelling in a RV. Enjoy the read and please feel free to send me some secret local tips if you happen to live in or near Auckland and have explored the area with your motorhome or caravan. "World-class shopping and phenomenal dining are never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches. Go skydiving or whale watching, hike an ancient volcanic cone, taste local award-winning wine, or stargaze from the International Dark Sky Sanctuary of remote Great Barrier Island." "You’ll find the best of both worlds in Auckland, with beautiful rainforests, parks and beaches all so close to the city centre. The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park west of the city centre has more than 250 kilometres of walking and hiking tracks through lush native rainforest, past cascading waterfalls and along a magnificent coastline. Walk through the region’s largest native forest in the Hunua Ranges or explore the striking landscapes of some of Auckland’s 26 regional parks, such as Duder, Shakespear, Tapapakanga or Āwhitu. You’re never far from the sea in Auckland. Bring your board to one of the black-sand surf beaches on the wild west coast – Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells), Muriwai and more. Head north to the expansive golden sands and clear waters of Tāwharanui and Pakiri. Closer to the city centre, and just a 15-minute drive from downtown Auckland, visit Mission Bay, Kohimarama or St Heliers. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, hire a kayak or stand up paddleboard, and refuel with some fresh fish and chips by the seaside." https://www.newzealand.com/int/auckland/ Auckland's Westcoast Beaches "Auckland's wild west is renowned for its rugged beauty; this is where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches. The west is wild. Whatipu, Karekare, Piha, Te Henga (Bethells) and Muriwai beaches all have a remote, untamed beauty that's good for the soul. Although you’ll feel a world away, many of these beautiful beaches are less than an hour's drive from the city centre, making them ideal day trip destinations." Click on the link below to read the full article... www.newzealand.com/int/feature/aucklands-west-coast-beaches/ Hauraki Gulf and Islands "With over a million hectares of sparkling blue waters dotted with emerald islands, the Hauraki Gulf offers countless water activities and island adventures. And with countless water activities and island adventures so close at hand, it’s no wonder Lonely Planet named Auckland harbour and the Hauraki Gulf the best experience in New Zealand..." Click on the link below to read the full article... www.newzealand.com/int/feature/hauraki-gulf-and-islands/ Top Food Experience in Auckland and Waiheke Island
"Known as 'the city of sails', Auckland is home to waterfront restaurants, award-winning menus and bustling food hubs. Check out some of the best restaurants, markets and eateries in Auckland and Waiheke Island. The fairy lights of Federal Street will lure you into some of the finest restaurants in Auckland. Book a table at Huami for authentic Chinese dim sum, live crayfish and dumplings. Jam-packed of umami flavours, the Japanese inspired menus at MASU are cooked on an open charcoal grill. Take the lift to the top of the Skytower to The Sugar Club for three elegantly prepared courses or tasting menu..." Click on the link below to read the full article... https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/food-experiences-in-auckland-and-waiheke-island/www.newzealand.com/int/feature/food-experiences-in-auckland-and-waiheke-island/ The very first Mercedes-Benz DCB Lincoln Motorhome has enjoyed some great feedback over the last few weeks and the built quality is second to none.
Click on the link below to check out the detailed listing. https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/Detail.html?id=2973127&dealerid=1177&pageNumber=1&sort=1&pageSize=12 Daryl visited the Design Coach and Body workshop over the weekend and we currently have an opportunity to get a Lincoln motorhome custom build on a 4WD Mercedes-Chassis. This is a great opportunity to get a motorhome build on a 4WD chassis and customise the layout and design to your specifications. Please feel free to contact us now to discuss your options and any further questions you may have!!! Our team ventured to Avon Valley Safaris for this year’s Christmas function and all of us enjoyed the experience. We started the day with clay bird and rifle shooting followed by a very nice smoked meat lunch at the hunting lodge. The location is absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit. Feel free to click on the link below and check out what Avon Valley Safaris have on offer. https://www.avonvalleysafaris.co.nz/ We also managed to visit Pete on the way back and have a beer with him...
Last month we explored the Taranaki region. This time we are travelling 3 hours north from New Plymouth to visit the mighty Waikato. The region is close to Auckland and is a great weekend destination for many living in the city and the North Island in general. I have only visited Hamilton for work and can't wait for a leisure visit and tick it off the list soon. Enjoy the read!!! "Just south of Auckland lies the Waikato region; a land of lush pastures that was chosen to play The Shire™ in The Lord of the Rings™ and The Hobbit Trilogy™. Well-known for its underground wonders, black sand surf beaches and rolling green hills, the Waikato region offers a wealth of nature-based activities and attractions surrounding a vibrant city hub." "Experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo and Bilbo’s adventures began. Get lost among the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn, the mill and the Party Tree. Listen to spell-binding tales of how Hobbiton came to be. Tours depart daily from the Shire's Rest Café, 501 Buckland Road Matamata." https://www.hobbitontours.com/ Waikato is home to a number of scenic walks which travel through nature and sometimes traverse mountains. Travel a short distance from Hamilton to Te Aroha to try the Te Aroha Mountain Track. A return trip takes just under 5 hours, on a fine day you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the sprawling countryside... https://www.newzealand.com/nz/hamilton-waikato%2Bwalking-and-hiking/ Home to two cycling trails that are part of the 18 Great Rides on The New Zealand Cycle Trail, the Hamilton Waikato is a great place to hop on a bike. The Waikato River Trails extend 100km along the ‘Mighty Waikato’, New Zealand’s longest river. An off-road mountain biking experience, the trails wind through the heart of the Waikato region and range from grades 2-4. In addition to this ride, the area’s timber logging history is showcased in The Timber Trail, a 77km off-road experience that winds through 800-year-old trees and historic milling sites. The region is also full of quiet country lanes if you’re after a bit of scenic road cycling... https://www.newzealand.com/nz/hamilton-waikato%2Bcycling/ A while back Gary, Janette, Dave and Vicki explored the Timber Trail. Check out the pictures below. The green hills and fertile soil of the Hamilton - Waikato region is home to a collection of stunning gardens and passionate green-fingered locals.
The Hamilton Gardens is a must-see for those passionate about all things botanical. With a focus on having a story for each of the collections, enjoy themed gardens from Japan, Italy, America and more... https://www.newzealand.com/nz/hamilton-waikato%2Bgardens/ As mentioned in previous months international logistics and shipping has thrown many challenges at us throughout the last few years.
It seems however that we are finally seeing improvements and are currently receiving many brand-new vehicles from overseas. Some are sold whilst others are stock units, and we are still able to have vehicles ready for a December collection. Feel free to contact us if you are keen on a brand-new RV and have a chat about current options and availability!!! In April this year I wrote an article discussion bike rack options for RV's and concluded that whilst there are many brands and options to choose from, most customers are best to future proof the system and opt in for a winddown option to avoid having to lift heavy bikes up high.
Check out this video explaining how the Thule Electric Bike Rack works and feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions. Tip: The operation of the manual version is very similar and seems to be a bullet proof system only relying on the manual wind down system. Click on the link below to check out the article in our April Issue... https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/uploads/6/2/4/9/62491403/april_2023_newsletter.pdf Many of us here at Deluxe RV have been making the most of Spring and took the opportunity to spend some quality time with family and friends away from work. Check out the pictures below and feel free to share some of your own adventures with us!!!
The Nelson Rotary Motorhome show is back!!!
After the show has been forced to be cancelled for the last 2 years the event has returned last weekend with a bang and we were treated with 2 days of sun and good visitor numbers. It’s great to see the event up and running again as the only RV show in the top of the South Island and we always appreciate any opportunity to meet our customers and showcase our much-loved vehicles. After such a great success I am sure we will return next year!!! PS: If you are interested in visiting the largest motorhome and caravan show in New Zealand, check out the link below and book some tickets to Auckland for March 2024... https://www.supershow.co.nz/ Let me introduce you to the very first New Zealand built Mercedes-Benz DCB Lincoln motorhome. Designed and built by Design Coach and Body in Christchurch the Lincoln is finished to the highest standard, suited to New Zealand conditions, drives like a dream and we are exclusively selling it here at Deluxe RV in Blenheim. I have had the joy of showcasing the vehicle at the Nelson Motorhome Show and the feedback was amazing. I am more than happy to share the information below and invite everyone to ask questions, view the vehicle and provide feedback. We are physically selling this unit and I can't wait to hand this beauty over to the new owners when the time comes!!! Click on the link below to check out the listing... https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/Detail.html?id=2973127&dealerid=1177&pageNumber=1&sort=1&pageSize=12 Let me tell you it drives amazing and the lack of noise from the rear is a testimony to the built quality and finish. A Complete Redarc Battery Management System including 720w Solar, 3000w Inverter, 400aH Lithium Batteries, Monitor and Regulator provides the motorhome with plenty of power when camping off grid for extended period of times. The Fusion media and sound system is a great addition and allows you to control radio, Bluetooth, TV audio and internal and external speakers. Garage lighting, rails and fixing points all come as standard. Finer touches like the lighting, quality headboard, wireless charging for your phones and large memory foam mattress make the difference and elevate the bedroom to the next level. The separate ceramic toilet, Basin and full shower are all well designed, practical and showcase the stunning finish. The kitchen is built with high quality materials, heavy duty benchtop, full oven and grill, heavy duty sink and features a large 32" Avtex Smart TV. Lincoln black bowls, cups, plates, wine and whiskey glasses add a further luxury touch. Leather upholstery on all seats ensure you are comfortable during your travels or when watching TV. The lounge seat backs are extra high and provide a nice level of comfort. I found that these are the only lounge seats in a motorhome I could happily lean into and have my neck supported. To be honest, I am not just raving about the Lincoln motorhome because we sell it and it will suit many customers perfectly, I am falling in love with the idea of a powerful and smooth German Mercedes-Benz Engine paired with a NZ built RV to the highest standard possible.
I simply think that Design Coach and Body have not only built a luxurious, well equipped, and functional motorhome for two, they have out done themselves on the finer details and design and should be immensely proud of the finished product. Check out the full listing and get in contact directly for any further questions!!! |
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April 2024
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